Educational Toys Provide STEM Development

A good book on science experiments might be a way to start things off.  It should allow an insight into what will interest the child.  Just be prepared to offer the needed materials to make it work.

Solar power and robotics are two of the current leaders in fields that can stir the interest.  Combining these with a solar powered robot can really get the attention.

The solar powered robot can be built in many forms.  This allows for building skills as well as having a cool robot to use.  

The first simple machines gave humans a leap forward. Understanding how they work is a good first discovery for a child.  Consider the simple machine kit as an excellent way to get started.

Now, we have items that utilize pulleys and pulley systems to make it easier to perform tasks such as lifting a heavy item. 

Still another way to make things work is the use of gears.  I learned about gears from an Erector Set, but there are gear kits available to provide insight into this important concept.  Here is still another excellent way to get a child interested in building as an engineer.

There are many different building sets available.  They are great for teaching how to put things together so there are is stability in the final structure.  Some sets, such as Lego sets, utilize popular topics such as Star Wars to kindle interest. 

Another interesting group of building sets are the Laser Pegs, blocks that have special blocks that light up.  There is an entire collection of Laser Pegs Sets.  These blocks add a whole new concept to building blocks, making them even more interesting.

Allow the child to study the weather with a basic weather lab.  A Magic School Bus weather Kit is a kit that makes this possible.  Older children might prefer basic weather equipment.

Electricity is fascinating, and children are often curious about how circuits work.  Choose a kit that allows the child to explore the world of electricity by actually making a circuit and having something work as a result.  There are several excellent choices for electricity based circuits building toys available.  

A good place to start a child seeking knowledge through curiosity is a telescope.  Today there are telescopes that connect to computers, so entire groups can gaze at distant worlds at the same time.  This is a great family activity idea, and can bring families closer through a common activity that becomes a common interest.  The one shown is more basic, and will serve as a starter telescope until it is determines if more advanced technology is required.

Microscopes open the smaller worlds to a child’s eyes, and make exploration of those worlds fun filled activities.  Here is yet another way to open a child to being receptive to science.

Physics is how the physical world works.  It is the interaction between objects interacting with objects, and interactions between objects and energy.  A good starter physics kit will allow a child to be directed in exploring these interactions.

Chemistry can be interesting, but buying your own chemicals and mixing them without sound knowledge can be dangerous.  It is far better to start with a chemistry set that is designed for use by children.  Even then adult supervision is a must.

Alternate energy sources of the sun and wind power are interesting, and can be the start to developing skills for a promising career in leading edge technology.  Help a child become aware of these alternate energy sources, and allow the child to explore how they work.

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